Top 27 Ben Stiller Movies To Watch

Directed by Noah Baumbach, The Meyerowitz Stories features a stellar cast including Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Elizabeth Marvel, and Ben Stiller in key roles.

The story revolves around a group of adult siblings who struggle with family dysfunction and wrestle with the lasting influence of their overbearing father, a retired college professor and sculptor.

The film was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and received the Palm Dog award, as well as a four-minute standing ovation from the audience.

Released simultaneously on Netflix and in theaters, The Meyerowitz Stories has received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging performances and heartfelt storytelling.

"Flirting with Disaster" is a road trip black comedy written and directed by David O. Russell. The film features an ensemble cast, including Ben Stiller, Patricia Arquette, George Segal, Téa Leoni, Alan Alda, Lily Tomlin, Mary Tyler Moore, and Richard Jenkins.

The story follows a young father, played by Stiller, as he embarks on a chaotic search for his biological parents. Accompanied by his wife (Arquette) and an adoption agency worker (Leoni), he encounters a colorful array of eccentric characters along the way.

"Flirting with Disaster" received recognition at Cannes in 1996, where it was featured as a Special Screening outside of the main competition.

Directed by Wes Anderson, The Royal Tenenbaums follows a quirky, dysfunctional family of former child prodigies as they struggle to cope with adulthood and life’s challenges.

The film features an ensemble cast including Luke Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, Bill Murray, Danny Glover, and Gene Hackman. Ben Stiller shines as Chas Tenenbaum, a savvy businessman grappling with the loss of his wife and the complexities of raising his children alone.

This is a movie you’ll find yourself wanting to watch again and again. Notably, it earned a spot on BBC’s list of the 100 Greatest Films of the 21st Century, attesting to its enduring appeal and critically acclaimed storytelling.

"Meet the Parents" is often cited as one of Ben Stiller's best films, and it's easy to see why. This beloved comedy has become a fan favorite for its hilarious moments and relatable family dynamics.

The story follows Gaylord Focker, a neurotic male nurse who travels to Long Island to meet his fiancée's parents for the first time. What should be a simple introduction quickly escalates into a series of awkward and hysterical encounters.

The film boasts an outstanding cast, including Robert De Niro, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, and Ben Stiller, all of whom contribute to the movie's perfect comedic chemistry.

Robert De Niro brilliantly plays the ex-CIA, overbearing would-be father-in-law, while Stiller's portrayal of a man unraveling under mounting pressure is spot-on.

Upon its release, "Meet the Parents" became a box office sensation, earning an impressive $300 million worldwide.

"While We’re Young" is a comedy-drama featuring Ben Stiller, Amanda Seyfried, Naomi Watts, and Adam Driver. The story follows Josh Srebnick (Stiller), a middle-aged documentary filmmaker in New York City, and his wife Cornelia (Watts) as they form an unexpected friendship with a much younger couple, Jamie (Driver) and Darby Massey (Seyfried).

The film was written, directed, and produced by Noah Baumbach. Impressively, it became his highest-grossing film at the U.S. box office, showcasing both critical acclaim and commercial success.

"There’s Something About Mary" is a classic American romantic comedy featuring Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Lee Evans, Chris Elliott, and Matt Dillon.

The story follows a group of men who become comically infatuated with Mary, each going to hilarious lengths to win her affection.

This film marked a major turning point in Ben Stiller’s career, firmly establishing him as a leading comedic actor. Directed by the Farrelly brothers, it stands out as one of their biggest successes, a feat they found difficult to match in their later works.

In 2000, readers of Total Film magazine voted it the fourth-greatest comedy film ever released—a testament to its enduring popularity and impact.

"Tropic Thunder" (2008) features a star-studded cast, including Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. Downey Jr. delivers a controversial performance, while Cruise takes on the comedic role of an over-the-top, bald, and loud-mouthed Jewish film executive in a fat suit.

The ensemble also boasts notable appearances by Bill Hader, Matthew McConaughey, and Danny McBride. The plot follows a group of pampered Hollywood actors who, while filming a Vietnam War movie, unexpectedly find themselves caught in a real-life battle in the jungle.

Grossing over $195 million worldwide, "Tropic Thunder" dominated the American box office, debuting at number one and holding that position for three consecutive weeks.

If you're searching for a thoughtful comedy-drama, "Brad's Status" is a compelling pick. Released in 2017, this film runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes and features strong performances by Ben Stiller, Austin Abrams, and Jenna Fischer, with direction by Mike White.

The story centers on Brad Sloan, who operates a non-profit while living a comfortable life with his wife and son. Despite his stability, Brad can't help but feel inferior when comparing himself to his more affluent and accomplished friends from his youth.

His wife reassures him, urging Brad not to measure his worth against the elite. Still, Brad continues to wrestle with his insecurities. A college tour to Boston with his son, Troy, offers Brad the chance to revisit his past aspirations and search for a renewed sense of purpose.

However, as the journey unfolds, Brad gradually discovers that those he admires might not have the perfect lives he imagined, challenging his assumptions about success and contentment.

Although Greenberg wasn't a major box office success, its critical acclaim and intriguing storyline make it a noteworthy entry on this list. Personally, I found the film's story both engaging and thought-provoking.

This comedy-drama features an impressive cast including Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rhys Ifans, Brie Larson, and Greta Gerwig alongside Ben Stiller.

The plot centers on Roger Greenberg, an L.A. native who has been living in New York. He returns to Los Angeles to reflect on his life and figure out his next steps.

While house-sitting for his brother, Roger begins to develop feelings for his brother's assistant. Directed by Noah Baumbach—known for his consistently strong work—the film is certainly worth watching.

"Your Friends & Neighbors" is a dark comedy featuring a remarkable cast, including Aaron Eckhart, Catherine Keener, Amy Brenneman, Jason Patric, Nastassja Kinski, and Ben Stiller.

Set in an unnamed American city, the film explores the complicated sexual relationships of two discontented, urban middle-class couples. As they navigate their dissatisfaction, the characters resort to lies and deception in their quest for happiness.

Released in a limited number of theaters, "Your Friends & Neighbors" holds a unique place in film history as the very first movie ever reviewed by Rotten Tomatoes.

"Megamind" (2010) delivers a refreshing comedic take on the superhero genre. The film follows supervillain Megamind, voiced by Will Ferrell, who finally triumphs over his nemesis, Metro Man. But victory leaves him unfulfilled, prompting Megamind to create a new hero, Hal, who soon becomes a dangerous villain.

In an attempt to win over his love interest, Megamind masquerades as Bernard, a character portrayed by Ben Stiller. However, Hal’s interference forces Megamind to confront his own potential for heroism, pushing him to save the city and discover what it truly means to be a hero.

The film enjoyed moderate commercial success, earning over $321 million worldwide on a $130 million budget. Critics responded positively, commending its witty humor, high-quality animation, and clever parody of superhero conventions.

Despite its success, Ben Stiller’s role in "Megamind" is minor, which places the movie lower in this ranking.

"Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" (2004) is a mockumentary-style comedy set in the world of 1970s San Diego television news. Will Ferrell stars as Ron Burgundy, a hilariously egotistical and overtly sexist anchorman whose status is shaken by new changes at the station.

The arrival of Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), the channel's first female co-anchor, threatens Ron's hold on his newsroom. Ben Stiller makes a memorable appearance as Arturo Mendes, a flamboyant, Spanish-speaking news anchor.

Stiller's character parodies exaggerated Latino TV personalities and stands as one of Ron Burgundy's main professional rivals, heightening the film's absurd humor and sharp satire of newsroom culture.

Though his role is brief, Stiller's performance adds another layer to the movie's comedic tone. The film was both a critical and commercial hit, gaining cult-classic status thanks to its memorable one-liners and over-the-top slapstick.

"Reality Bites" is a classic American romantic comedy and marks Ben Stiller’s directorial debut. The film stars Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke in leading roles, with Stiller himself also playing a key character. Steve Zahn and Janeane Garofalo round out the talented supporting cast.

The story centers on Lelaina (Ryder), an aspiring videographer who is creating a documentary about the lives and disillusionment of her close-knit group of friends. The film explores themes of ambition, uncertainty, and the complexities of post-college life.

The characters’ struggles highlight the career and lifestyle dilemmas commonly faced by Generation X, painting an authentic portrait of a generation at a crossroads.

"Reality Bites" was a box office success, earning $40.9 million against its $11.5 million budget. It has since achieved cult status for its insightful depiction of the early ’90s grunge culture and resonates with audiences even today.

"Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" (2004) is a hilarious ensemble sports comedy that showcases Ben Stiller facing off against Vince Vaughn in a memorable showdown between underdogs and the privileged—all played out on the dodgeball court.

At its heart, the film follows a quirky group of misfits who band together to enter a high-stakes dodgeball tournament in Las Vegas. Their goal? To save their beloved local gym from being taken over by a corporate fitness giant.

Striking the right balance between critical acclaim and box-office appeal, "Dodgeball" proved to be a major hit, earning $168.4 million worldwide against its modest $20 million budget.

"Zoolander" is a hilarious American comedy directed by and starring Ben Stiller. The movie features a star-studded cast including Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Milla Jovovich, Christine Taylor, Jon Voight, and Jerry Stiller, Ben's real-life father.

Stiller portrays Derek Zoolander, a three-time VH1 Male Model of the Year. When he unexpectedly loses the title to Hansel, his self-esteem plummets and his world is thrown into chaos.

Disappointed friends, a disapproving father, and growing self-doubt lead Derek to question his modeling career and worth.

At his lowest, Derek becomes the target of fashion icon Mugatu (Ferrell), who brainwashes him into a ludicrous plot to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia, all under the guise of offering Derek a chance to reclaim his former glory.

"Tower Heist" is a dynamic heist comedy built on a story by Bill Collage, Griffin, and Adam Cooper. The film stars an impressive ensemble, including Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Alan Alda, Michael Peña, Judd Hirsch, Téa Leoni, and Gabourey Sidibe.

The story follows a group of employees from a luxury high-rise who discover that their life savings have been stolen in a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by a deceitful Wall Street tycoon.

Determined to reclaim what was taken from them, they band together with an ex-con, a financially ruined businessman, and a resourceful maid, plotting to break into the tycoon's elite penthouse and recover their money—all while evading the watchful eyes of the FBI.

Though the film achieved moderate success at the box office, some critics found the plot to be somewhat hurried and overly complex. Nevertheless, "Tower Heist" delivers laughs and suspense in equal measure.

Madagascar is a lively animated adventure directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath. Released in 2005 with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes, it features the voices of Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, and David Schwimmer in key roles, bringing its iconic characters to life.

The story follows Marty, a zebra who longs for the freedom of Africa as he grows tired of life in New York's Central Park Zoo. On his tenth birthday, he decides to break free from captivity and explore the world beyond.

When Marty goes missing, his friends Alex, Gloria, and Melman venture out to find him and return him to the zoo. However, their rescue mission takes an unexpected turn as they’re accidentally shipped off, eventually finding themselves stranded on the exotic beaches of Madagascar.

As Marty finally gets a taste of freedom, the group faces new challenges—testing their friendship and their desire to return home, and forcing them to consider what freedom truly means.

"Starsky & Hutch" is a buddy cop action film starring Ben Stiller as David Starsky and Owen Wilson as Ken 'Hutch' Hutchinson. Together, they bring the beloved characters from the classic 1970s television series to life.

Set in a fictionalized Bay City, California, the story follows these two street-smart undercover detectives as they team up with underworld informant Huggy Bear to take down dangerous drug criminals.

The film received a mix of positive and average reviews from critics, but proved to be a commercial success, earning $170 million worldwide against a $60 million budget.

Inspired by James Thurber’s classic 1939 short story, this film offers a modern retelling with a unique twist.

Walter Mitty, portrayed by Ben Stiller, is a reserved middle-aged man whose vibrant imagination offers an escape from his unremarkable reality. Working in the photo department at Life magazine, Walter embarks on an extraordinary global adventure to recover a missing photo negative.

Ben Stiller directs as well as stars in the film, which was a box office success, earning $188 million worldwide.

The movie earned recognition from the National Board of Review, making its list of the top ten films released in 2013.

Permanent Midnight is an independent drama featuring a talented cast, including Elizabeth Hurley, Owen Wilson, Janeane Garofalo, Cheryl Ladd, and Ben Stiller in the lead role.

The film adapts Jerry Stahl’s autobiography, following Stahl (portrayed by Stiller), a successful television writer known for series like Twin Peaks, thirtysomething, and ALF. It powerfully explores his battle with substance abuse amid his professional accomplishments.

Although the film saw only modest success at the box office—earning $1.1 million from a limited theatrical release—it found new life in the home video market. Stiller’s gripping performance, in particular, garnered widespread critical acclaim.

A fantasy-comedy, Night at the Museum was based on the ’93 children’s book of the same name, written by Croatian illustrator, Milan Trenc.

Stiller played the lead role of Larry Daley, a divorced father who has applied for the job of a night watchman at New York’s American Museum of Natural History, wherein he discovers that all the exhibits, come to life at night.

While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it managed to gross a whopping $574.5 million, becoming the 5th highest-grossing film of 2006, worldwide.

Some of the other cast includes Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke, Carla Gugino, and Mickey Rooney. The film also had two sequels; Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

Duplex, which was released in Ireland and the United Kingdom as Our House and as The Old Lady Must Go in Poland is a black comedy that was both directed and narrated by Danny DeVito.

Barring Stiller, the film also stars Drew Barrymore, Harvey Fierstein, James Remar, Eileen Essell, and Justin Theroux. The film is about a couple that has moved into a new house wherein their peace gets disturbed by the constant annoyance of the old lady living upstairs.

They decide to take some desperate measures when her habits begin to get a little too out of hand.

The film was a major dud at the box office, grossing only $19.3 million for a $40 million budget.

Meet the Fockers is an American comedy that was a sequel to Meet the Parents. The film starred Stiller along with Robert De Niro, who also happened to be one of the producers, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, Owen Wilson, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner.

It revolves around the Byrnes and Focker families' first interaction and how all hell breaks loose post that! The film was a huge box office hit, grossing $522 million, and was followed by the sequel titled Little Fockers.

Zero Effect is an American mystery comedy that was released in 1998 and was director Jake Kasdan’s feature directorial debut.

The film stars Bill Pullman in the role of ‘the world’s most private detective’ named Daryl Zero and Stiller in the role of his assistant Steve Arlo.

The plot of the film is loosely based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story titled ‘A Scandal in Bohemia.

It was shot in Portland, Oregon, and was screened at the Un Certain Regard section of the 1998 Cannes.

The film failed to perform well at the box office, managing just $2 million to a budget of $5 million.

Along Came Polly is a romantic comedy that stars the gorgeous Jennifer Aniston opposite Ben Stiller. The story traces the life of Reuben Feffer whose life takes an unexpected turn when he suddenly reconnects with an old classmate, Polly.

The twist of fate happens when he begins to fall in love with her, but has chaos awaiting his life, as his former wife Lisa too returns, with the hopes of reconciling with him.

The film albeit received mixed reviews managed to gross $178 million for a $42 million budget, making it a commercial success.

Envy is a dark comedy buddy film, that stars Jack Black alongside Ben Stiller in the main roles and has Rachel Weisz, Christopher Walken, and Amy Poehler in supporting roles.

The film was both a critical and a commercial failure, having a budget of around $20-$40 million but grossing only around $14 million.

The film is about a man, Tim Dingman (Stiller) who becomes extremely jealous of his friend, Nick Vanderpark's (Black) newfound success.

The film not only got negative reviews from critics but even rated 3.11/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and Stiller was also nominated for a Razzie Award, for Worst Actor.